Water filter assembly

ABSTRACT

A water filtration system includes a faucet assembly and a filtration assembly. The faucet assembly includes a spout assembly having a first water outlet and a second water outlet; a first valve assembly connected to an unfiltered hot water supply and an unfiltered cold water supply and operable to control delivery of unfiltered water to the first water outlet of the spout assembly; and a second valve assembly connected to a filtered water outlet of the filtration assembly and operable to control delivery of filtered water to the second water outlet of the spout assembly. The filtration assembly includes a filter assembly; a filter bracket or mounting assembly for securing the filter assembly to a support surface or structure; and a filter manifold assembly including an unfiltered water inlet for connecting to an unfiltered water supply and the filtered water outlet for connecting to the second valve assembly.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is being filed as a non-provisional patentapplication claiming priority/benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/757,579 filed on Jan. 10, 2006.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to a water filtration system and, moreparticularly, to a water filter assembly for use in the water filtrationsystem.

BACKGROUND

Tap water often includes impurities such as minerals, chlorine,particulates and other contaminants that affect the taste, odor,appearance and health quality of the water. To remove such impurities,water filtration devices are becoming increasingly utilized forfiltering tap water.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, a water filtration system is provided thatincludes a faucet assembly and a filtration assembly. The faucetassembly comprises a spout assembly including a first water outlet and asecond water outlet; a first valve assembly for connecting to anunfiltered hot water supply and an unfiltered cold water supply andoperable to control delivery of unfiltered water to the first wateroutlet of the spout assembly; and a second valve assembly for connectingto a filtered water outlet of the filtration assembly and operable tocontrol delivery of filtered water to the second water outlet of thespout assembly. A waterway between the first valve assembly and thefirst water outlet is separate from a waterway between the second valveassembly and the second water outlet. Accordingly, there is nopossibility of cross contamination between the unfiltered water and thefiltered water. The filtration assembly comprises a filter assembly; afilter bracket or mounting assembly for securing the filter assembly toa support surface or structure; and a filter manifold assembly includingan unfiltered water inlet for connecting to an unfiltered water supplyand the filtered water outlet for connecting to the second valveassembly.

Numerous advantages and features will become readily apparent from thefollowing detailed description of exemplary embodiments, from the claimsand from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention as well as embodiments and advantages thereof aredescribed below in greater detail, by way of example, with reference tothe drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a water filtration system,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the water filtration system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the water filtration system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of a faucetassembly along line A-A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second valve assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second valve assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a filter manifold assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the filter manifold assembly alongline B-B of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a filter bracket assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the filter bracket assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the filter bracket assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a filter assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the filter assembly of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly along line C-Cin FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a filter assembly, according to anotherexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly along line D-Dof FIG. 16;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the filter assembly along line E-Eof FIG. 17; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled filtration assemblyof FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the general inventive concept is susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be describedherein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the general inventive concept. Accordingly, thegeneral inventive concept is not intended to be limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, a water filtration system 100 according to anexemplary embodiment is shown as an exploded view. A front view of thewater filtration system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2 and a right sideview of the water filtration system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4shows a cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the water filtrationsystem 100 along line A-A of FIG. 2.

The water filtration system 100 includes a faucet assembly 200 and afiltration assembly 400. Preferably, but not necessarily, the filtrationassembly 400 is installed below the faucet assembly 200. For example,the filtration assembly 400 may be installed below a sink deck (notshown) on which the faucet assembly 200 is mounted.

The faucet assembly 200 includes a spout assembly 202, a first valveassembly 220 and a second valve assembly 280.

The spout assembly 202 includes a spout 204 extending from a spout hub206. The spout 204 includes a spout tip 208, a filter tip 210, a spouttube 212 and a filter tube 214. The spout tube 212 and filter tube 214can be seen in FIG. 4.

The spout tip 208 defines a first water outlet through which unfilteredwater may flow out of the spout 204. The filter tip 210 defines a secondwater outlet through which filtered water may flow out of the spout 204.The spout tube 212 defines a first waterway through the spout 204 andthe filter tube 214 defines a second waterway through the spout 204.Preferably, but not necessarily, the filter tube 214 is disposed withinthe spout tube 212, as shown in FIG. 4. In an alternative embodiment, adiverter assembly (not shown) is provided for diverting at least one ofsaid unfiltered water and said filtered water from said spout assembly202, for example, to a side spray assembly (not shown).

Preferably, but not necessarily, an aerator assembly 216 is connected tothe spout tip 208 to introduce air into the unfiltered water flowing outof the spout tip 208. The aerator assembly 216 may reduce splashing,while increasing areas of coverage and wetting efficiency.

Preferably, but not necessarily, a stream straightener 218 is connectedto the filter tip 210 to straighten the flow of filtered water flowingout of the filter tip 210. For example, filtered water flowing throughthe stream straightener 218 becomes laminar, which provides a pleasantlook and feel. In one exemplary embodiment, a flow rate of the filteredwater discharged through the filter tip 210 is between 0.9 and 1.1gallons per minute, inclusive.

The first valve assembly 220 includes a first valve body 222, a firstvalve 224 and a first valve retaining nut 226. The first valve body 222includes a hot water supply tube 228, a cold water supply tube 230 and awater outlet 232. The first valve body 222 includes a cavity 248 forreceiving the first valve 224. The first valve 224 controls the amountof hot water and cold water to be mixed and delivered to the spout 204via the water outlet 232 for output at the spout tip 208. The firstvalve 224 may be a cartridge-type valve assembly.

The first valve body 222 containing the first valve 224 is disposed inthe spout hub 206 of the spout assembly 202. O-rings 234, 236 and 238are located in grooves 240, 242 and 244, respectively, on an exterior ofthe first valve body 222 to form seals between the exterior surface ofthe first valve body 222 and an interior surface of the spout hub 206.The first valve retaining nut 226 is connected (e.g., via threadedsurfaces) to the first valve body 222 to secure the first valve 224 andthe first valve body 222 within the spout hub 206. A bearing washer 250may be located between the spout hub 206 and the first valve retainingnut 226.

The hot water supply tube 228 and the cold water supply tube 230 of thefirst valve body 222 are positioned through a first opening 252 of anescutcheon 254 and a first opening 256 of a deck plate assembly 258. Avalve body screw 260 may be used to fasten the first valve body 222 tothe escutcheon 254. A bearing washer 262 may be located between thefirst valve body 222 and the escutcheon 254.

The escutcheon 254 and deck plate assembly 258 are mounted on a supportsurface, for example, a sink deck (not shown). In this manner, the hotwater supply tube 228 and the cold water supply tube 230 may passthrough an opening in the sink deck for connection to a hot water supplysource and a cold water supply source, respectively. The deck plateassembly 258 includes a deck plate 264 located below the escutcheon 254and a deck seal (not shown) disposed between the deck plate 264 and anupper surface of the sink deck. A mounting/bracket assembly 266 isdisposed below the sink deck to secure the faucet assembly 200 relativeto the sink deck.

A dome 270 covers the first valve retaining nut 226 and connects (e.g.,via threaded surfaces) to the first valve body 222. A stem 274 locatedon a top portion of the first valve 224 projects through a centralopening of the first valve retaining nut 226 and a central opening ofthe dome 270 and into a lower portion of the handle 272. A handle setscrew 276 is used to secure the handle 272 to the stem 274. Optionally,a plug button 278 may be used to conceal the handle set screw 276 forcosmetic reasons.

Accordingly, a user can manipulate the handle 272 to actuate the firstvalve 224. For example, lifting the handle increases the flow rate ofthe water delivered to the spout 204, while lowering the handledecreases the flow rate of the water delivered to the spout 204.Additionally, lateral movement of the handle adjusts the temperature ofthe water delivered to the spout 204 by varying the amount of hot waterand cold water being mixed.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second valve assembly 280 includes asecond valve body 282, a second valve 284 and a second valve retainingnut 286. The second valve body 282 includes a water inlet barb 288 and awater outlet barb 290. The second valve 284 is disposed within a cavity292 of the second valve body 282. The second valve 284 controls theamount of filtered water delivered from the filtration assembly 400 tothe spout 204 for output at the filter tip 210. The second valve 284 maybe a cartridge-type valve assembly.

The second valve assembly 280 further includes a tube 294 serving as awaterway between the filtration assembly 400 and the second valve 284.The tube 294 is connected at one end to the water inlet barb 290, forexample, via a crimp sleeve 296. The other end of the tube 294 isconnected to a dome barb 298, for example, via a crimp sleeve 300.

The dome barb 298 serves as a filtered water outlet of the filtrationassembly 400. The dome barb 298 has a hollow dome portion 302 thatnarrows into a hollow tip portion 304. On an exterior surface of thedome portion 302, an upper lip 306 and a lower lip 308 form a groove 310for receiving an O-ring 312. The O-ring 312 forms a seal between thedome barb 298 and an interior surface of a manifold body 404 of a filtermanifold assembly 402 (see FIG. 7), as described below.

Furthermore, a dome barb retaining nut 314 secures the dome barb 298 tothe filter manifold assembly 402. For example, a threaded portion 316 ofthe dome barb retaining nut 314 engages an upper threaded portion 436 ofthe manifold body 404 to secure the dome barb 298 to the manifoldassembly 402. In this manner, the tip portion 304 of the dome barb 298extends through an upper central opening 318 of the dome barb retainingnut 314, so that the tip portion 304 can be joined to the tube 294. Thetip portion 304 of the dome barb 298 defines an outlet end 320 of thedome barb 298, while the dome portion 302 of the dome barb 298 definesan inlet end 322 of the dome barb 298.

Another tube 324 (see FIG. 1) is used to establish a waterway betweenthe second valve 224 and the filter tube 214 in the spout 204. O-rings326 and 328 may be used to form a seal at the joint where the wateroutlet barb 288 of the second valve assembly 280 and the tube 324 arejoined. O-rings 330 and 332 may be used to form a seal at the jointwhere the tube 324 and the spout assembly 202 are joined.

The second valve body 282 containing the second valve 284 extendsthrough a second opening 334 in the escutcheon 254. A spacer 336 may beused, for example, to accommodate the second valve retaining nut 286.Preferably, but not necessarily, the spacer 336 includes a spaceropening 340 for accommodating a light-emitting diode (LED) 342 of an LEDassembly 344. In this manner, the spacer 336 provides a rigid stop forthe second valve retaining nut 286, so that the second valve retainingnut 286 is not tightened against the LED 342.

The LED assembly 344 includes the light-emitting diode 342 and a firstwiring 346. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first wiring 346 has afirst connector 348 at one end to facilitate connection to anotherwiring. The light-emitting diode 342 may be used to indicate that afilter assembly 526 (see FIG. 12) should be replaced because, forexample, its filtering capacity is spent.

A stem 350 located on a top portion of the second valve 284 projectsthrough a central opening of the second valve retaining nut 286 and acentral opening of the spacer 340 and into a lower portion of the handle338. A handle screw 352 is used to secure the handle 338 to the stem350. Optionally, a handle cap 354 may be used to conceal the handlescrew 352 for cosmetic reasons.

Accordingly, a user can manipulate the handle 338 to actuate the secondvalve 284. For example, turning the handle clockwise increases the flowrate of the filtered water delivered to the spout 204, while turning thehandle counterclockwise decreases the flow rate of the filtered waterdelivered to the spout 204. In another exemplary embodiment, an actuator(e.g., a button) is provided in lieu of the handle 338 to controldelivery of the filtered water to the spout 204, wherein the flow rateof the filtered water may be fixed.

As described above, the faucet assembly 200 allows a user to controldelivery of unfiltered water from a water supply source and filteredwater from a filtration assembly 400 to a single spout assembly 202. Thefiltration assembly 400 shown in FIGS. 1-3 will now be described in moredetail with reference to FIGS. 7-14.

The filtration assembly 400 includes a filter manifold assembly 402, afilter bracket or mounting assembly 474 and a filter assembly 526.

The filter manifold assembly 402 is shown as an exploded view in FIG. 7and as a cross-sectional view in FIG. 8. The filter manifold assembly402 includes a manifold body 404, a water inlet barb 406 and a plunger408. The filter manifold assembly 402 facilitates connection of a watersupply source (not shown), the filter assembly 526 and the second valveassembly 280. The water supply source may be a separate water supplysource or may be the aforementioned cold water supply source.

Unfiltered water is delivered from the water supply source to the waterinlet barb 406 of the filter manifold assembly 402 via a tube 410. Thetube 410 may be connected to the water inlet barb 406 by a crimp sleeve412.

The manifold body 404 includes a flat base 414 with a cylindricalportion 416 formed thereon. The cylindrical portion 416 is hollow andhas a cavity that forms at least a first inner portion 418, a secondinner portion 420 and a third inner portion 422. A lower ledge 424separates the second inner portion 420 and the third inner portion 422.An upper opening 426 is formed in the cylindrical portion 416 and alower opening 428 is formed in the flat base 414. A tubular projection430 extends from the cylindrical portion 416. The tubular projection 430forms an outer side opening 432 and an inner side opening 434. The innerside opening 434 is formed where the tubular projection 430 and thecylindrical portion 416 meet and forms a waterway from the water inletbarb 406 to the second inner portion 420 of the cylindrical portion 416of the manifold body 404.

The upper opening 426 is for mounting the dome barb 298 to the filtermanifold assembly 402. The lower opening 428 is for inserting the filterassembly 526 therein, as described below. The outer side opening 432 andthe inner side opening 434 are for mounting the water inlet barb 406 andthe plunger 408 therein, so as to control the flow of unfiltered waterfrom the water supply source to the filtration assembly 400.

The upper threaded portion 436 of the cylindrical portion 416 of themanifold body 404 engages with the threaded portion 316 of the dome barbretaining nut 314 to secure the dome barb 298 within the cylindricalportion 416 of the manifold body 404. In particular, the lower lip 308of the dome barb 298 rests on an upper ledge 438 between the first innerportion 418 and the second inner portion 420, such that the O-ring 312located in the groove 310 of the dome barb 298 is housed within thefirst inner portion 418 of the manifold body 404. The dome barbretaining nut 314 prevents the O-ring 312 from exiting the first innerportion 418, thereby maintaining the seal formed by the O-ring 312.Preferably, but not necessarily, the lower lip 308 of the dome barb 298has a non-circular shape for fitting into the first inner portion 418having the same non-circular shape. For example, a multi-lobular shapeand, in particular, a tri-lobular shape, may be used as the non-circularshape.

The flat base 414 of the manifold body 404 is substantially circular.The circumference of a lower portion 440 of the flat base 414 is lessthan the circumference of an upper portion 442 of the flat base 414, soas to form a recessed lip 444 around the outer edge of the flat base414. A plurality of flanges 446 are disposed on the outer edge of thelower portion 440 of the flat base 414. Each flange 446 has a tooth 448thereon. The flanges 446 and teeth 448 are used to connect the filtermanifold assembly 402 to the filter bracket assembly 474, as describedbelow.

The water inlet barb 406 has a threaded portion 450 for engaging athreaded portion 452 of the tubular projection 430 of the manifold body404. Preferably, but not necessarily, adhesive is applied to thethreaded portion 450 of the water inlet barb 406 before it engages thethreaded portion 452 of the tubular projection 430. Additionally, anO-ring 454 is positioned on the water inlet barb 406 and adjacent to thethreaded portion 450 of the water inlet barb 406 to form a seal wherethe water inlet barb 406 and the tubular projection 430 are joined.

A projection 456 is disposed in an interior cavity of the water inletbarb 406 for engaging one end 458 of a plunger spring 460. The other end462 of the plunger spring 460 is inserted into a recessed end 464 of theplunger 408. In this manner, the plunger spring 460 urges the plunger408 toward the second inner portion 420 of the cylindrical portion 416of the manifold body 404.

More particularly, the plunger spring 460 urges the plunger 408 into a“closed” position by urging the plunger 408 toward the inner sideopening 434 of the tubular projection 430, such that a plunger tip 466protrudes through the inner side opening 434 and a smooth end 468 of theplunger 408 blocks the inner side opening 434. In this “closed”position, water flowing into the water inlet barb 406 and the tubularprojection 430 cannot enter the cylindrical portion 416 of the manifoldbody 404. Additionally, an O-ring 470 may be positioned in a groove 472adjacent to the smooth end 468 of the plunger 408 to ensure awater-tight seal between the plunger 408 and the inner side opening 434.The plunger 408 is configured to remain in the “closed” position when afilter is not present in the water filtration system 100 and to move toan “open” position when a properly configured filter is inserted in thewater filtration system 100, as described below.

The filter bracket assembly 474 is shown as an exploded view in FIG. 9,a rear view in FIG. 10 and a top plan view in FIG. 11.

The filter bracket assembly 474 includes a bracket body 476, a printedcircuit board (PCB) 478 and a sliding door 480. The filter bracketassembly 474 provides a support for the filter assembly 526 and thefilter manifold assembly 402. In this manner, the filter bracketassembly 474 bears the weight of the filter assembly 526 and the filtermanifold assembly 402.

The bracket body 476 includes an upper portion 482 and a lower portion484. Preferably, but not necessarily, the upper portion 482 isperpendicular to the lower portion 484. The lower portion 484 has aplurality of mounting holes 486 for mounting the bracket body 476 to asupport surface or structure (e.g., a cabinet wall).

A rear surface of the lower portion 484 includes an area for mountingthe PCB 478 thereon. For example, a plurality of screws 488 are used tofasten the PCB 478 to the bracket body 476. The PCB 478 includes metalcontacts 490 and a second wiring 492. Preferably, but not necessarily,the second wiring 492 has a second connector 494 at one end tofacilitate connection to the first connector 348 of the first wiring346.

The metal contacts 490 make contact with a battery 496, which acts as apower source for the PCB 478 and the LED assembly 344. The second wiring492 connects to the first wiring 346 such that if the PCB 478 determines(e.g., based on elapsed time, gallons filtered, etc.) that the filterassembly 526 needs to be replaced, the PCB 478 causes an electriccurrent to flow to and illuminate the LED 342. In this manner, a user isprovided with a visual reminder to replace the filter assembly 526.

The rear surface of the lower portion 484 also includes a plurality ofwiring recesses 498 for holding and guiding the second wiring 492.Additionally, a wiring post 500 is provided to anchor the second wiring492 so that a force (e.g., caused by inadvertent contact) on the secondwiring 492 is distributed to the wiring post 500 and not only to thepoint where the second wiring 492 and the PCB 478 are joined.

A front surface of the lower portion 484 includes a door slot 502 forreceiving the sliding door 480. The sliding door 480 includes a batterycompartment 504 for holding the battery 496. Preferably, but notnecessarily, the battery 496 is initially attached (e.g., via adhesive)to the filter assembly 526 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 12 and 13) so that a usercan install/replace the battery 496 at the time of installing/replacingthe filter assembly 526. In particular, the user removes the battery 496from the filter assembly 526 and inserts the battery 496 into thebattery compartment 504 of the sliding door 480. Alternatively, thebattery 496 may be integrated into the filter assembly 526 so thatreplacing the filter assembly 526 necessarily includes replacing thebattery 496 without requiring additional effort on the part of the user.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the sliding door 480 may be readilyinserted into and removed from the door slot 502 by a user without usingany tools. For example, the sliding door 480 may friction fit into thedoor slot 502 such that the sliding door 480 remains seated in the doorslot 502 until the user pulls it out. Fully inserting the sliding door480 into the door slot 502 causes the metal contacts 490 to contact thebattery 496.

The upper portion 482 of the bracket body 476 includes an opening 506.The opening 506 includes an upper wall 508 and a lower wall 510 definingthe circumference of the opening 506. A circumference of the upper wall508 is generally greater than the circumference of the recessed lip 444of the flat base 414 of the manifold body 404 but less than thecircumference of the upper portion 442 of the flat base 414 of themanifold body 404.

A plurality of notches 512 are formed along the upper wall 508 of theopening 506. The thickness of the upper wall 508 decreases in thenotches 512. Adjacent to the notches 512, the upper wall 508 extends outover the lower wall 510. A rib 514 is formed near a point where thenotch 512 abuts the upper wall 508. Preferably, but not necessarily, thepoint where the notch 512 abuts the upper wall 508 is sloped.

A plurality of ledges 516 project within the opening 506. Preferably,but not necessarily, the ledges 516 are evenly spaced within the opening506, that is every 120 degrees. Preferably, but not necessarily, thethickness of the ledges 516 is approximately equal to the height of thelower wall 510.

Each ledge 516 includes a raised side wall 518, a raised stop 520 and asloped portion 522. The raised side wall 518 is thicker than the ledge516 but does not protrude into the opening 506 as far as the ledge 516.The raised stop 520 is the same thickness as the raised side wall 518but protrudes into the opening 506 further than the raised side wall518. The raised stop 520 is located at one end of the ledge 516 and thesloped portion 522 is located on the opposite end of the ledge 516. Aflange 524 is positioned approximately in the middle of the raised sidewall 518. The flange 524 is operable to move away from a center of theopening 506 toward the upper wall 508 if sufficient force is applied tothe flange 524. The ledges 516 allow the filter assembly 526 tointerface with (and lock into) the filter bracket assembly 474, asdescribed below.

A perspective view of the filter assembly 526 is shown in FIG. 12, aside view of the filter assembly 526 is shown in FIG. 13 and across-sectional view of the filter assembly 526 is illustrated in FIG.14.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the filter assembly 526 uses a carbonfilter and, in particular, an activated charcoal filter. Activatedcharcoal is charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to open up amultitude of tiny pores between the carbon atoms. The use of specialmanufacturing techniques results in highly porous charcoals that havevery large surface areas. The huge surface area of activated charcoalgives it numerous bonding sites. When certain chemicals pass next to thecarbon surface, they attach to the surface and are trapped. Once all ofthe bonding sites are filled, an activated charcoal filter stops workingand should be replaced.

The filter assembly 526 may be configured to operate across apredetermined range of water pressures. Preferably, but not necessarily,the filter assembly 526 operates within a water pressure range of 20 to125 pounds per square inch (psi). The filter assembly 526 may beconfigured to operate across a predetermined range of watertemperatures. Preferably, but not necessarily, the filter assembly 526operates within a water temperature range of 35 to 100° F. The filterassembly 526 may be configured to have a predetermined usage duration,after which the filter assembly 526 should be replaced. In one exemplaryembodiment, the filter assembly 526 has a usage duration of six months.

The filter assembly 526 includes a tubular filter cartridge 528 disposedin a tubular filter canister 530 sealed with a canister cap 532.Unfiltered water enters the filter canister 530 via inlet ports 534 andpasses through an inlet waterway 536. Once inside the filter canister530, the unfiltered water fills a space 584 surrounding the filtercartridge 528, passes through the filter cartridge 528 (with variouschemicals and impurities being removed) and flows radially inward to acentral cavity 538 of the filter cartridge 528. Accordingly, water inthe central cavity 538 of the filter cartridge 528, which is nowfiltered water, may be discharged out of the filter canister 530 throughan outlet waterway 540 and out an outlet port 542.

The filter cartridge 528 includes a filter cap 544, a filter bottom 546and the central cavity 538. The outlet waterway 540 allows filteredwater within the central cavity 538 to flow through the filter cap 544and out the outlet port 542 disposed in an upper portion of the canistercap 532.

The canister cap 532 includes a first raised portion 548, a secondraised portion 550, a lower connector 552, a lower lip 554, an upper lip556, a lower shaft portion 558, an upper connector 560, a middle shaftportion 562 and an upper shaft portion 564. The canister cap 532 ishollow such that the outlet waterway 540 runs through a central openingtherein and ends at the outlet port 542 formed in the upper shaftportion 564 of the canister cap 532.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first raised portion 548 and thesecond raised portion 550 are circular. Preferably, but not necessarily,the circumference of the first raised portion 548 is greater than thecircumference of the second raised portion 550. Preferably, but notnecessarily, the height of the first raised portion 548 is less than theheight of the second raised portion 550.

The lower connector 552 of the canister cap 532 is formed on the secondraised portion 550. The lower connector 552 has a non-circular shape.Preferably, but not necessarily, the lower connector 552 has amulti-lobular shape (e.g., the tri-lobular shape illustrated in FIG.12). Portions of the lower connector 552 extend over the second raisedportion 550 to form overhanging portions 566 (see FIG. 14).

The lower lip 554 and the upper lip 556 of the canister cap 532 areformed above the lower connector 552. Preferably, but not necessarily,the lower lip 554 and the upper lip 556 are circular. Preferably, butnot necessarily, the lower lip 554 and the upper lip 556 have the samecircumference. A groove is defined between the lower lip 554 and theupper lip 556 for receiving an O-ring 568. The O-ring 568 forms a sealbetween the filter assembly 526 and the filter manifold assembly 402when the filter assembly 526 is mounted in the water filtration system100, as described below.

The lower shaft portion 558 is formed above the upper lip 556.Preferably, but not necessarily, the lower shaft portion 558 iscircular. Preferably, but not necessarily, the circumference of thelower shaft portion 558 is less than the circumference of the upper lip556.

The upper connector 560 of the canister cap 532 is formed on the lowershaft portion 558. The upper connector 560 has a non-circular shape.Preferably, but not necessarily, the upper connector 560 has amulti-lobular shape (e.g., the tri-lobular shape illustrated in FIG.12). In one exemplary embodiment, the upper connector 560 has anon-circular shape formed from a circular portion and a projectionextending from said circular portion that allows the unfiltered water toflow into the tubular filter canister 530. Portions of the upperconnector 560 extend over the lower shaft portion 558 to formoverhanging portions 570 (see FIG. 14).

The middle shaft portion 562 and the upper shaft portion 564 are formedabove the upper connector 560. The upper shaft portion 564 includes theoutlet port 542 for outputting filtered water from the filter assembly526. Preferably, but not necessarily, the middle shaft portion 562 andthe upper shaft portion 564 are circular. Preferably, but notnecessarily, the circumference of the middle shaft portion 562 is lessthan the circumference of the lower shaft portion 558. Preferably, butnot necessarily, the circumference of the upper shaft portion 564 isless than the circumference of the lower shaft portion 558. Preferably,but not necessarily, the middle shaft portion 562 and the upper shaftportion 564 have the same circumference. A groove is defined between themiddle shaft portion 562 and the upper shaft portion 564 for receivingan O-ring 572. The O-ring 572 forms a seal between the filter assembly526 and the dome barb 298 (in the filter manifold assembly 402) when thefilter assembly 526 is mounted in the water filtration system 100, asdescribed below.

The inlet ports 534 of the filter assembly 526 are disposed between theO-ring 568 and the O-ring 572 such that the O-rings 568, 572 areoperable to form seals on both sides of the inlet ports 534. Preferably,but not necessarily, the distance from a centerline of the O-ring 568 toa centerline of the O-ring 572 is between 0.670 inches and 1.315 inches,inclusive. In one exemplary embodiment, the distance from the centerlineof the O-ring 568 to the centerline of the O-ring 572 is 0.995inches±0.005 inches. Preferably, but not necessarily, the O-ring 568 hasan outer diameter of between 0.981 inches and 1.060 inches, inclusive.In one exemplary embodiment, the O-ring 568 has an (uncompressed)thickness of approximately 0.103 inches and an outer diameter ofapproximately 1.031 inches. Preferably, but not necessarily, the O-ring572 has an outer diameter of between 0.603 inches and 0.680 inches,inclusive. In one exemplary embodiment, the O-ring 572 has an(uncompressed) thickness of approximately 0.103 inches and an outerdiameter of approximately 0.651 inches.

A filter assembly 600, according to another exemplary embodiment, may beused in the filtration assembly 400 and includes structure forprotecting an internal filter (e.g., filter cartridge 528) of the filterassembly 600. A side view of the filter assembly 600 is shown in FIG. 15and cross-sectional views of the filter assembly 600 are shown in FIGS.16-17. Except as noted herein, the filter assembly 600 is substantiallythe same as the filter assembly 526 described above. Accordingly, thoseelements that are the same between the filter assembly 526 (shown inFIGS. 12-14) and the filter assembly 600 (shown in FIGS. 15-17) havelike reference numbers in the drawings and will not be further describedin detail.

As in the case of the filter assembly 526, the filter assembly 600includes a tubular filter cartridge 528 disposed in a tubular filtercanister 530 sealed with a canister cap 532. In the filter assembly 600,a mesh wrap 602 surrounds the filter cartridge 528 to strengthen thefilter cartridge 528 and protect it from damage, for example, duringassembly, transit, etc.

Additionally, a plurality of vertical ribs 604 project from an innersurface of the filter canister 530. The ribs 604 may be formedintegrally with the inner surface of the filter canister 530. As shownin FIGS. 17-18, the ribs 604 surround the filter cartridge 528 and itsmesh wrap 602 to limit or prohibit radial movement of the filtercartridge 528 within the filter canister 530, thereby further protectingthe filter cartridge 528 from damage, for example, during assembly,transit, etc. Aside from these structural differences, the filterassembly 600 functions in the same manner as the filter assembly 526.

In further describing the exemplary embodiments, the filtration assembly400 (e.g., including the filter assembly 526) connects to the faucetassembly 200. By way of example, if the faucet assembly 200 is installedon a sink deck (not shown), the filtration assembly 400 may be installedbelow the sink deck (e.g., in a cabinet).

FIG. 18 shows an assembled filtration assembly 400. In assembling thefiltration assembly 400, the filter manifold assembly 402 is connectedto the filter bracket assembly 474. In particular, each flange 446 onthe flat base 414 of the manifold body 404 is aligned with a notch 512in the upper wall 508 of the upper portion 482 of the bracket body 476,such that the manifold body 404 rests on the upper portion 482 of thebracket body 476 above the opening 506.

Then, by lowering the flanges 446 into the notches 512 and turning themanifold body 404 (e.g., counterclockwise) the teeth 448 of the flanges446 ride over the ribs 514 on the lower wall 510 of the opening 506 toconnect the manifold body 404 to the bracket body 476. The ledges 516prevent the manifold body 404 from further counterclockwise rotation.Because the upper wall 508 projects into the opening 506 above the teeth448, the manifold body 404 cannot be lifted from the bracket body 476when the manifold body 404 and the bracket body 476 are so connected.Additionally, by virtue of the recessed lip 444, the flat base 414 ofthe manifold body 404 rests on the raised side walls 518 so that thefilter bracket assembly 474 supports the filter manifold assembly 402.

Accordingly, the dome barb 298 of the second valve assembly 280 may beinserted into the upper opening 426 of the manifold body 404 and heldtherein by the dome barb retaining nut 314. In this manner, the waterinlet barb 406 of the filter manifold assembly 402 functions as anunfiltered water inlet of the filtration assembly 400 and the dome barb298 functions as a filtered water outlet of the filtration assembly 400.The tube 410 connects the water inlet barb 406 to a water supply source(not shown) and the tube 294 carries the filtered water output at thedome barb 298 to the second valve 284 of the faucet assembly 200.

Before or after connection of the filter manifold assembly 402 and thefilter bracket assembly 474, the bracket body 476 is mounted to asupport surface or structure (e.g., a wall of an under-the-sinkcabinet). For example, mounting screws 574 (see FIG. 1) are insertedthrough the mounting holes 486 to secure the bracket body 476 to thesupport surface or structure.

Prior to mounting the filter bracket assembly 474, the PCB 478 issecured to the rear surface of the lower portion 484 of the bracket body476 and the second wiring 492 is arranged with respect to the wiringpost 500 and wiring recesses 498, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

The battery 496, which may initially be attached to an outer surface ofthe filter canister 530 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 12 and 13), is placed in thebattery compartment 504 of the sliding door 480. The sliding door 480 isthen inserted into the door slot 502 of the bracket body 476 so that themetal contacts 490 of the PCB 478 contact the battery 496. The secondconnector 494 of the second wiring 492 may be connected to the firstconnector 348 of the first wiring 346 so that the battery 496 powers andthe PCB 478 controls the LED 342 of the LED assembly 344.

With the filter manifold assembly 402 connected to the filter bracketassembly 474, the water supply source and the faucet assembly 200 viathe second valve 284, the filter assembly 526 can be installed. Theshape and configuration of the canister cap 532 allows the filterassembly 526 to interface with the filter manifold assembly 402 and“lock” into the filter bracket assembly 474.

The second raised portion 550 of the canister cap 532 fits through theopening 506 including the ledges 516 of the upper portion 482 of thebracket body 476. The first raised portion 548 of the canister cap 532,however, does not fit through the opening 506 including the ledges 516.The lower connector 552 fits through the opening 506 including theledges 516 of the bracket body 476 only if the filter canister 530 isproperly oriented. For example, if the lower connector 552 has atri-lobular shape as shown in FIG. 12, the lower connector 552 will fitthrough the opening 506 including the ledges 516 only when intersectionpoints 576 where adjacent lobes 578 meet are oriented to pass throughthe spaces along the opening 506 between adjacent ledges 516.

Once the lower connector 552 is properly oriented, the filter canister530 should be inserted into the bracket body 476 so that an uppersurface of the first raised portion 548 of the canister cap 532 contactsthe lower surface of the ledges 516 of the upper portion 482 of thebracket body 476. In this case, the lower connector 552 should bedisposed in the opening 506 above the lower wall 510 such that noportion of the lower connector 552 overlaps any of the ledges 516.

The raised stops 520 of the ledges 516 contact the lobes 578 of thelower connector 552 to prevent the filter canister 530 fromsignificantly rotating in a clockwise direction. Rotating the filtercanister 530 in a counterclockwise direction causes a lower surface ofthe lower connector 552 to rotate along the ledges 516 so that theintersection points 576 of the lobes 578 depress the flanges 524 of theledges 516 in order to rotate past the flanges 524.

Once the intersection points 576 have passed the flanges 524, theflanges 524 return to their original positions so as to resist clockwiserotation of the filter canister 530 within the opening 506 in the upperportion 482 of the bracket body 476. Additionally, the raised stops 520of the ledges 516 contact the lobes 578 of the lower connector 552 toprevent further counterclockwise rotation of the filter canister 530.Accordingly, the filter canister 530 is considered to be installed andin a “locked” position relative to the filter bracket assembly 474.

To uninstall the filter assembly 526 from the filter bracket assembly474, the filter canister 530 must be rotated in a clockwise directionwith sufficient force to overcome the resistance of the flanges 524against the intersection points 576 of the lobes 578.

As the filter assembly 526 is being installed in the filter bracketassembly 474, the filter assembly 526 is also interfacing with thefilter manifold assembly 402 connected thereto (see FIG. 15). Inparticular, those portions of the canister cap 532 of the filterassembly 526 that are disposed above the lower connector 552 areinserted into the filter manifold assembly 402 (including the dome barb298) as the filter assembly 526 is installed in the filter bracketassembly 474.

The lower ledge 424 between the second inner portion 420 and the thirdinner portion 422 located inside the cylindrical portion 416 of themanifold body 404 forms a non-circular (e.g., a multi-lobular and, inparticular, a tri-lobular) opening between the second inner portion 420and the third inner portion 422. Each of the upper shaft portion 564,the O-ring 572, the middle shaft portion 562, the upper connector 560and the lower shaft portion 558 formed on the canister cap 532 arecapable of fitting through the non-circular opening in the lower ledge424. None of the upper lip 556, the O-ring 568 and the lower lip 554 arecapable of fitting through the non-circular opening in the lower ledge424.

For the upper connector 560 to fit through the non-circular opening inthe lower ledge 424, the intersection points 580 where adjacent lobes582 of the upper connector 560 meet must be oriented to correspond tothe non-circular opening in the lower ledge 424. The intersection points580 of the upper connector 560 are substantially aligned with theintersection points 576 of the lower connector 552. If the filtermanifold assembly 402 is connected to the filter bracket assembly 474,as described above, then rotating the filter canister 530 so that thelower connector 552 will fit through the opening 506 and the ledges 516in the upper portion 482 of the bracket body 476 of the filter bracketassembly 474 will ensure that the upper connector 560 is properlyaligned to pass through the non-circular opening in the lower ledge 424of the manifold body 404 of the filter manifold assembly 402. Otherwise,the upper connector 560 will not fit through the non-circular opening inthe lower ledge 424.

Once the filter canister 530 is properly aligned and is lifted so thatthe lower connector 552 passes through the opening 506 and the ledges516 in the upper portion 482 of the bracket body 476 of the filterbracket assembly 474, those portions of the canister cap 532 locatedabove the upper lip 556 pass through the non-circular opening in thelower ledge 424. The upper lip 556, the lower lip 554 and the O-ring 568disposed between the upper lip 556 and the lower lip 554 become locatedin the third inner portion 422 of the cylindrical portion 416 of themanifold body 404, directly below the lower ledge 424. In this manner,the upper lip 556, the lower lip 554 and the O-ring 568 form a sealbetween the filter assembly 526 and the filter manifold assembly 402below the inlet ports 534 of the upper connector 560.

The upper shaft portion 564, the middle shaft portion 562 and the O-ring572 disposed between the upper shaft portion 564 and the middle shaftportion 562 pass through an inlet end 322 of the dome barb 298 andbecome disposed inside a hollow dome portion 302 of the dome barb 298,which is held in the first inner portion 418 of the cylindrical portion416 of the manifold body 404 by the dome barb retaining nut 314. In thismanner, the upper shaft portion 564, the middle shaft portion 562 andthe O-ring 572 form a seal between the filter assembly 526 and thefilter manifold assembly 402 (housing the dome barb 298) above the inletports 534 of the upper connector 560.

As the filter canister 530 is installed, the upper connector 560 becomeslocated in the second inner portion 420 of the cylindrical portion 416of the manifold body 404. Additionally, at least a portion of the lowershaft portion 558 of the canister cap 532 becomes aligned with the lowerledge 424 so that the filter canister 530 can be rotated with respect tothe lower ledge 424 with the lower shaft portion 558 capable of rotatingwithin the non-circular opening in the lower ledge 424.

Accordingly, when the lower connector 552 of the canister cap 532 isrotated counterclockwise to install the filter assembly 526 into the“locked” position relative to the filter bracket assembly 474, the upperconnector 560 also rotates counterclockwise within the second innerportion 420 of the cylindrical portion 416 of the manifold body 404.Preferably, but not necessarily, a lower surface of the upper connector560 rests on an upper surface of the lower ledge 424 after the filtercanister 530 is rotated counterclockwise. Preferably, but notnecessarily, a lower surface of the dome barb 298 at the inlet end 322rests on an upper surface of the upper connector 560.

The upper connector 560 rotates counterclockwise within the second innerportion 420 of the cylindrical portion 416 of the manifold body 404until the raised stops 520 of the ledges 516 of the bracket body 476halt rotation of the lower connector 552. Accordingly, when the filtercanister 530 has been installed into the “locked” position in the filterbracket assembly 474, one of the intersection points 580 of the lobes582 of the upper connector 560 contacts the plunger tip 466 projectingthrough the inner side opening 434 of the tubular projection 430 of themanifold body 404.

By contacting the plunger tip 466, the upper connector 560 causes theplunger spring 460 to compress and the plunger 408 to move away from theinner side opening 434. Consequently, the smooth end 468 of the plunger408 no longer blocks the inner side opening 434 of the tubularprojection 430 of the manifold body 404. In this “open” position, waterflowing in through the water inlet barb 406 and into the tubularprojection 430 can enter the cylindrical portion 416 of the manifoldbody 404. In particular, unfiltered water from the water supply sourcecan flow through the inner side opening 434 of the tubular projection430 of the manifold body 404 and into the second inner portion 420 ofthe cylindrical portion 416 of the manifold body 404 where the upperconnector 560 is located. The O-ring 568 forms a seal below the secondinner portion 420 and the O-ring 572 forms a seal above the second innerportion 420 to prevent the unfiltered water from leaking out of thesecond inner portion 420.

The unfiltered water in the second inner portion 420 surrounds the upperconnector 560 in the second inner portion 420 and enters the filterassembly 526 through the inlet ports 534 on the upper connector 560. Theunfiltered water then flows through the inlet waterway 536 and into thespace 584 surrounding the filter cartridge 528. The unfiltered waterthen passes through the filter cartridge 528 which causes variouschemicals and impurities to be removed from the water. Accordingly, asthe unfiltered water flows through the filter cartridge 528 it becomesfiltered water. As the water is filtered, it flows into the centralcavity 538 of the filter cartridge 528. The filtered water may bedischarged from the central cavity 538 of the filter cartridge 528through an outlet waterway 540 and out an outlet port 542 for deliveryto the faucet assembly 200, for example, in response to a usermanipulating the handle 338.

When the lower connector 552 of the canister cap 532 is rotatedclockwise to uninstall the filter assembly 526 (e.g., to replace a spentfilter assembly 526), the upper connector 560 rotates clockwise withinthe second inner portion 420 of the cylindrical portion 416 of themanifold body 404. Because of this clockwise rotation of the upperconnector 560, none of the intersection points 580 of the lobes 582 ofthe upper connector 560 contact the plunger tip 466.

With no intersection points 580 contacting the plunger tip 466, theplunger spring 460 extends to urge the plunger tip 466 further throughthe inner side opening 434 of the tubular projection 430 of the manifoldbody 404 until the smooth end 468 of the plunger 408 blocks the innerside opening 434. As a result, when the filter canister 530 is movedinto the “unlocked” position in the filter bracket assembly 474,unfiltered water is prevented from flowing into the cylindrical portion416 of the manifold body 404. Accordingly, the flow of unfiltered waterthrough the water filtration system 100 requires the presence of aproperly configured filter assembly 526 and that the filter assembly 526be properly installed.

In the water filtration system 100, according to the exemplaryembodiments set forth above, separate valve assemblies allow a user toselectively obtain either filtered or unfiltered water at the same spout204 of the faucet assembly 200. For example, filtered water may beselected for drinking or cooking, while unfiltered water may be selectedfor cleaning. Additionally, both filtered and unfiltered water may flowfrom the spout at the same time.

The above description of specific embodiments has been given by way ofexample. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will notonly understand the general inventive concept and its attendantadvantages, but will also find apparent various changes andmodifications to the structures and methods disclosed. It is sought,therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications as fall withinthe spirit and scope of the general inventive concept, as defined by theappended claims, and equivalents thereof.

1. A filter assembly for use in a water filtration system, said filterassembly comprising: a filter cartridge for filtering water; and afilter canister for housing said filter cartridge, wherein said filtercanister includes at least one non-circular connector for interfacingwith a manifold assembly.
 2. The filter assembly of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one non-circular connector is operable to allow said waterto flow into said filter canister.
 3. The filter assembly of claim 1,wherein said at least one non-circular connector includes a multi-lobalconnector having a plurality of lobes.
 4. The filter assembly of claim3, wherein at least one of said lobes includes an inlet port for saidwater to flow into said filter canister.
 5. The filter assembly of claim1, wherein said at least one non-circular connector is located between afirst circular portion of said filter canister and a second circularportion of said filter canister, wherein said first circular portionincludes a groove for receiving a first sealing member, and wherein saidsecond circular portion includes a groove for receiving a second sealingmember.
 6. The filter assembly of claim 5, wherein a distance between acenterline of said first sealing member and a centerline of said secondsealing member is between 0.670 inches and 1.315 inches, inclusive. 7.The filter assembly of claim 5, wherein an outer diameter of said firstsealing member is between 0.603 inches and 0.680 inches, inclusive. 8.The filter assembly of claim 5, wherein an outer diameter of said secondsealing member is between 0.981 inches and 1.060 inches, inclusive. 9.The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one non-circularconnector includes a circular portion and a projection extending fromsaid circular portion for allowing said water to flow into said filtercanister.
 10. A filter assembly for use in a water filtration system,said filter assembly comprising: a filter cartridge for filtering water;and a filter canister for housing said filter cartridge, wherein saidfilter canister includes at least one non-circular connector forinterfacing with a mounting assembly.
 11. The filter assembly of claim10, wherein said mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket forsecuring said filter assembly to a support surface, and wherein saidmounting bracket has an opening for interfacing with said at least onenon-circular connector.
 12. The filter assembly of claim 11, whereinsaid opening has an inner wall, wherein a plurality of ledges projectinto said opening from said inner wall, and wherein said ledgesinterface with said at least one non-circular connector.
 13. The filterassembly of claim 12, wherein said at least one non-circular connectorincludes a multi-lobal connector having a plurality of lobes, whereinsaid multi-lobal connector includes a plurality of edges, with each edgebeing formed where two adjacent lobes meet, and wherein a lower surfaceof each edge contacts an upper surface of a corresponding one of saidledges if said filter canister is installed in said mounting assembly.14. A filter assembly for use in a water filtration system, said filterassembly comprising: a filter cartridge for filtering water; and afilter canister for housing said filter cartridge, wherein said filtercanister includes at least one non-circular connector for interfacingwith at least one of a manifold assembly and a mounting assembly. 15.The filter assembly of claim 14, wherein said at least one non-circularconnector includes a multi-lobal connector having a plurality of lobes.16. The filter assembly of claim 15, wherein said multi-lobal connectoris a tri-lobal connector having three lobes.
 17. The filter assembly ofclaim 14, wherein said filter canister is sealed with a canister cap andsaid at least one non-circular connector is formed on said canister cap.18. The filter assembly of claim 14, wherein said filter cartridge iswrapped in a mesh sleeve.
 19. The filter assembly of claim 14, wherein aplurality of ribs project from an inner surface of said filter canisterto support said filter cartridge within said filter canister.
 20. Thefilter assembly of claim 14, wherein said filter canister includes afirst non-circular connector for interfacing with said manifold assemblyand a second non-circular connector for interfacing with said mountingassembly.
 21. The filter assembly of claim 20, wherein said firstnon-circular connector is a first multi-lobal connector and said secondnon-circular connector is a second multi-lobal connector.
 22. The filterassembly of claim 21, wherein a number of lobes of said firstmulti-lobal connector is the same as a number of lobes of said secondmulti-lobal connector.
 23. The water filtration assembly of claim 22,wherein said lobes of said first multi-lobal connector are aligned withsaid lobes of said second multi-lobal connector.
 24. The filter assemblyof claim 20, wherein said manifold assembly includes an unfiltered waterinlet for connecting to an unfiltered water supply and a filtered wateroutlet for connecting to a faucet assembly, and wherein said firstnon-circular connector is operable to interface with said manifoldassembly.
 25. The water filtration assembly of claim 24, wherein saidmanifold assembly includes an interior opening for said unfiltered waterentering said manifold assembly via said unfiltered water inlet to flowthrough to said filter assembly.
 26. The water filtration assembly ofclaim 25, wherein said manifold assembly includes a plunger and a springfor urging said plunger against said interior opening so that saidplunger blocks said interior opening and a tip of said plunger protrudesthrough said interior opening, and wherein said spring is compressed toprevent said plunger from blocking said interior opening if said firstnon-circular connector interfaces with said manifold assembly.
 27. Thefilter assembly of claim 20, wherein said mounting assembly includes amounting bracket operable to secure said filter assembly to a supportsurface, and wherein said second non-circular connector is operable tointerface with said mounting bracket.
 28. The filter assembly of claim27, wherein said mounting bracket has an opening and said opening has aninner wall, wherein a plurality of ledges project into said opening fromsaid inner wall, wherein said second non-circular connector includes aplurality of lobes, wherein an edge is formed where each two adjacentlobes meet, and wherein said second non-circular connector is configuredso that a lower surface of each edge contacts an upper surface of acorresponding one of said ledges if said filter canister is installed insaid mounting assembly.